Concerns are rising over a decree by former President Donald Trump that permits companies to extract resources from the ocean floor in international waters, which could have significant environmental impacts.

The Ocean Discovery League is working on developing affordable remotely operated vehicles and identifying 10,000 potential deep-dive sites to enhance future exploration efforts.

Current ocean policies and biodiversity assessments are being made with a dangerously limited understanding of the deep ocean, highlighting the need for innovative and collaborative exploration efforts.

Katy Croff Bell, president of Ocean Discovery League and lead author of the study, stresses the urgent need for exploration in light of threats such as climate change and resource exploitation.

Exploration efforts have primarily focused on regions near specific countries, notably the United States, Japan, and New Zealand.

Visual documentation of the deep sea began in 1958 with the submersible Trieste, marking the start of significant discoveries and insights into marine ecosystems.

Trump's support for ocean floor mining could accelerate exploration but raises alarms about potential ecological damage.

The study calls for increased investment in ocean exploration to safeguard vital ecosystems amid the challenges posed by climate change.

Many scientists advocate for further research on the deep seafloor before proceeding with industrial mining, emphasizing the necessity for informed decision-making.

While increased interest in deep-sea mining has led to the discovery of hundreds of new species, it also poses risks to unstudied ecosystems.

In response to the potential risks of deep-sea mining, 32 countries have called for a moratorium until more research is conducted to prevent ecological harm.

A recent study published in Science Advances reveals that the deep ocean, which covers 66% of the Earth's surface, remains largely unexplored, with only a minuscule 0.001% of the seafloor visually observed.